Timor-Leste President José Manuel Ramos-Horta has renewed his support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s size, democratic record, civilisation and growing global role.
Ramos-Horta said India’s exclusion from permanent membership was difficult to justify and noted the country’s contribution to developing nations. He also highlighted India’s progress in science, technology, medicine and information technology.
The Timor-Leste president called for stronger cooperation between the two countries in areas including health care, food security, agriculture and education. He noted that Timorese students study in India, while Indian medical students and teachers are also present in Timor-Leste.
India and Timor-Leste have maintained diplomatic relations since 2003, with cooperation expanding across education, agriculture, technology and development initiatives. Timor-Leste has previously supported India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Ramos-Horta also advocated a greater role for the G20 in global economic discussions, arguing that the group better reflects the changing distribution of economic power. The UN Security Council currently has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
